The fires of creation burn hot! Today, Open Design is launching its most ambitious design project to date: the world of Midgard! You can be part of this rare opportunity to design a published campaign setting. Your co-authors in this endeavor will be Wolfgang Baur, Jeff Grubb, and Brandon Hodge.
Midgard is the setting for Wolfgang’s own homebrew D&D campaign. Sections of it have been revealed publicly over the years through articles in Kobold Quarterly magazine and in Open Design projects such as Courts of the Shadow Fey, Tales of the Old Margreve, and Dwarves of the Ironcrags. Most of it exists only as hint and allusions, though, and scribbled notes in Wolfgang’s campaign notebook. Which is where you come in!
You can become a patron of the Midgard project and get behind-the-scenes access and input into the creation of Midgard’s seven regions. Add your original ideas, or even elements of your own home campaign: NPCs, magic items, heroes, villains, towns, cities -- even whole pantheons. Along the way, Wolfgang will be hosting regular live online chats for patrons and designers. (Plus other fun surprises.)
The finished worldbook will be available to patrons as a limited-edition hardcover, and to the public as a softcover. Among other perks patrons will also receive the Worldbuilder’s Guidebook: a collection of worldbuilding essays from Wolfgang, Jeff and others.
The gates of the world have opened! Join the Midgard design project as a patron here!
-Ben.
--
Small but Fierce.
Kobold Quarterly's News Minion.
Interesting. VERY interesting.
I am sorely tempted to join. OTOH, I'm a bit cross. I had planned on a Norse-inspired mini-setting PDF. I've even done some work on it. Still, you all will certainly do a better job with it than I would, and I certainly with you all the success possible.
:)
I am sorely tempted to join. OTOH, I'm a bit cross. I had planned on a Norse-inspired mini-setting PDF. I've even done some work on it. Still, you all will certainly do a better job with it than I would, and I certainly with you all the success possible.
:)
Mark, unless I'm much mistaken, Norse themes aren't going to be a centerpiece of this (any more than they are for any other setting). Midgard has just become the name that Wolfgang settled on for the setting as a whole, which contains The Free City of Zobeck.
So don't throw those notes away yet!
Mark, unless I'm much mistaken, Norse themes aren't going to be a centerpiece of this (any more than they are for any other setting). Midgard has just become the name that Wolfgang settled on for the setting as a whole, which contains The Free City of Zobeck.
So don't throw those notes away yet!
Oh, I never throw anything away. :)
It's obvious that Midgard won't be nothing but Norse, but from the campaign name to a lot of the art in the preview, it does seem to be an emphasis for at least parts of the campaign world. I got a sort of fantasy Dark Ages Europe vibe from what I've seen.
Regardless, I am tempted to join up. I've been wanting to get in on one of these project, but I've also been unemployed for a while up until last August.
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@Freehold and Mark, I hope you do join the project!
@Spes Magna Mark, your "Fantasy Dark Ages Europe" is a reasonable approximation. Though the southern portions include a dragon empire and some other non-European elements, and there are Medieval, Gothic, and even some Renaissance elements.
The Norse region is 1 of 7 areas the Midgard setting covers. So those themes are there, but part of a larger whole.
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1. I know that some of the Midgard stuff you have done has been Pathfinder and some has been 4E. Which will this campaign setting be? Or will there be two versions, a Pathfinder version and a 4E version?
2. Will the Worldbuilder’s Guidebook eventually be made available (ie, on sale) to non-patrons and patrons who only make the base patron purchase?
3. Will this incorporate some material from previous patron projects, especially the ones that are not available to non-patrons (ie, the stuff you put out before I discovered Open Design)?
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1. I know that some of the Midgard stuff you have done has been Pathfinder and some has been 4E. Which will this campaign setting be? Or will there be two versions, a Pathfinder version and a 4E version?
2. Will the Worldbuilder’s Guidebook eventually be made available (ie, on sale) to non-patrons and patrons who only make the base patron purchase?
3. Will this incorporate some material from previous patron projects, especially the ones that are not available to non-patrons (ie, the stuff you put out before I discovered Open Design)?
Great questions!
If this is going to be Pathfinder, I am very interested.
If it will be 4E ... not so much :(
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Are you aware that there is a whole game system called Midgard in German.
It is a second tier RPG - but certainly one of the bigger ones - running for many years now with lots of material - soft cover and hard cover. I have a whole box of stuff in the attic. My wife played Midgard before she moved to the UK to join me.
I never played it here as it is a German system - so you have trouble finding players. But I thought I mention it. I don't want you to run into any copyright/trademark issues. Just google Midgard on google.de
Thod
www.Midgard-online.de
It seems still a thriving community and I did spot more material in Germany for Midgard at the games fair Spiel Essen as for D&D 4.0 (which seemed very poor in Germany) Worthwhile at least to check out.
I'm in. Hopefully I can find some time to chime in on the project, but you have my cash support as always! =)
Joined! Midgard and Golarion have always competed for being my favorite published setting.
Of course my homebrew borrows from both. This should be fun.
Intrigued. My main question is what is the percentage of discount for the hard/soft cover? I assume a common percentage has been placed on access to such in previous patronage projects?
I think I subscribed...Paypal took my money anyway, but don't know if I'm supposed to get a confirming email from OD or not. Loved Margrave, which led me to Zobeck. Was going to design a world around these areas, but now I don't have to.
Intrigued. My main question is what is the percentage of discount for the hard/soft cover? I assume a common percentage has been placed on access to such in previous patronage projects?
Usually, it's been pretty good. But since we're talking about something that's 18 months out, and who knows how big it's going to be-- because Open Design projects are *never* over wordcount ;) -- well, I imagine that's a number that hasn't been determined yet.
A big part of patronage projects is the amount of content generated over the course of the project, the opportunity to playtest, the chance to contribute, the pure gold of the feedback process. Those things are where the model really has a chance to shine.
-Ben.
A big part of patronage projects is the amount of content generated over the course of the project, the opportunity to playtest, the chance to contribute, the pure gold of the feedback process. Those things are where the model really has a chance to shine.
-Ben.
Will all seven of the worlds be covered in this setting to be released? I'm just making sure I'm reading this correctly.
Will all seven of the worlds be covered in this setting to be released? I'm just making sure I'm reading this correctly.
Seven regions of Midgard, rather than worlds, Urizen. We'll start with one world, and get Jeff Grubb to describe the rest of the planets and other crystal spheres later. =-)
Will all seven of the worlds be covered in this setting to be released? I'm just making sure I'm reading this correctly.Seven regions of Midgard, rather than worlds, Urizen. We'll start with one world, and get Jeff Grubb to describe the rest of the planets and other crystal spheres later. =-)
Whoops! I have the Norse mythology mindset still stuck in my head. Now if you could get Jeff to do more than just describe the rest of the planets and other crystal spheres and pack it into this book, then definitely SOLD! :P j/k
To those who have done this before: Will I get a confirming email from OD, giving me access to the map, special forum, etc...Haven't seen anything yet, but the deduction from Pay Pal. Not that I don't trust them, just dont know what to expect.
To those who have done this before: Will I get a confirming email from OD, giving me access to the map, special forum, etc...Haven't seen anything yet, but the deduction from Pay Pal. Not that I don't trust them, just dont know what to expect.
I haven't joined yet, but usually you will get a welcoming e-mail. I don't know if the forums are all set up, but I suspect it may take a few days for everyone to get added to them.
I won't be able to join until next paycheck, but I definitely will be in on this one. My only question is: Is there room on Midgard for a Blink Dog Nation? ;)
My only question is: Is there room on Midgard for a Blink Dog Nation? ;)
Yes...ruled by blink dog sorcerers. ;-)
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To those who have done this before: Will I get a confirming email from OD, giving me access to the map, special forum, etc...Haven't seen anything yet, but the deduction from Pay Pal. Not that I don't trust them, just dont know what to expect.
Yep, we were running behind by quite a bit setting up patron access for a while. Everyone should now have gotten their confirmation/welcome email.
Discussion is indeed underway, and patrons will likely select the first region to detail this week or next.
My only question is: Is there room on Midgard for a Blink Dog Nation? ;)Yes...ruled by blink dog sorcerers. ;-)
And opposed by roving packs of kamadan.
-Ben.
Not everybody. Don't have mine yet?
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I'm pretty interested in this, but I have a couple questions.
1. Will a patronage buy access to the entire Midgard project? Or will a new patronage be required for each region as it gets developed?
2. If Midgard gets developed for multiple systems, will patrons have access to the material for both systems (assuming PF and 4e here)? Would I need to buy two patronages for Midgard, for both 4e and PF, or does one patronage grant access to both?
2b. Will the hardcover book be written for both systems (like some KQ articles have dual stats) or will it be published as two separate books?
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1. Will a patronage buy access to the entire Midgard project? Or will a new patronage be required for each region as it gets developed?
Nope, you get the whole project when it ships with the standard patronage.
2. If Midgard gets developed for multiple systems, will patrons have access to the material for both systems (assuming PF and 4e here)? Would I need to buy two patronages for Midgard, for both 4e and PF, or does one patronage grant access to both?
This is a somewhat speculative question, as at the moment only Pathfinder is really confirmed. The project will likely dual-stat a single book, or include additional mechanics in an appendix. There's a chance that Dragon Age RPG might bump 4E if not enough 4E fans sign up.
Patrons get the system they prefer. If you prefer two systems, it's probably wise to support them both with a separate patronage for each, but it's not required.
2. Will the Worldbuilder’s Guidebook eventually be made available (ie, on sale) to non-patrons and patrons who only make the base patron purchase?
Not decided, but I'm leaning toward "no public version, available to patrons only" at the moment. It would ship to patrons this summer. Ask me again if and when the project commission is met.
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Yeah, patrons have surprised me before, and the Dragon Age support is another (pleasant!) surprise. It may happen if enough DA patrons sign up.
Also! The Midgard project has a Facebook page with status and details.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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Wolfgang, I seem to have a mental block when it comes to navigating the KQ website, so I'll apologize in advance for this noob question.
I've signed up as a patron, but I probably glossed over a question about which system I favor. I'd like to sign up for Dragon Age, as well as D&D 3.5 / Pathfinderbut I don't know how.
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@Boerngrim, yeah, Jeff has done rather well in the worldbuilding area. Ok, he's kicked 20 kinds of ass. I'm thrilled to be working with him!
@Chris, I haven't actually sent out the system poll yet, as we're still gathering patrons. Given the scuttlebutt on the boards, it seems Pathfinder is the favorite system and 4E and Dragon Age are duking it out for the #2 slot.
So, expect email on that topic soon. We're just 3 days after launch but moving pretty fast...
This sounds really really interesting. I sure wish I had the spare cash to assist. I just hope that as with that other Open Design project that Brandon Hodges was involved in, this one will be available for pdf purchase eventually.
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Kromie, thanks for the question! Patrons can always join at a lower level and upgrade without penalty. And since the early votes often set the tone for the whole project, it's worth your while to sign up today.
Then, when we hit the region you care about most, upgrade for maximum influence.
Kromie, thanks for the question! Patrons can always join at a lower level and upgrade without penalty. And since the early votes often set the tone for the whole project, it's worth your while to sign up today.
Then, when we hit the region you care about most, upgrade for maximum influence.
Exactly the answer I was looking for as well. I can then upgrade later when I have extra dough sitting around. And on that note, I've officially signed up for the Standard Patron. It'll be my first with Open Design. Thanks, Wolf!
I'm just curious. How would you use the AGE system from Dragon Age to design a campaign world when they have only released the first 5 levels of rules?
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Kromie, thanks for the question! Patrons can always join at a lower level and upgrade without penalty. And since the early votes often set the tone for the whole project, it's worth your while to sign up today.
Then, when we hit the region you care about most, upgrade for maximum influence.
AWESOMENESS!
Just joined. :) Looking forward to seeing how this pans out. Should be fun.
I'm just curious. How would you use the AGE system from Dragon Age to design a campaign world when they have only released the first 5 levels of rules?
I asked Wolfgang this question and here's his answer:
Yep, the setting doesn't require every bit of the rules to set up, and we have two factors in our favor.1) Open Design already works with AGE creator Chris Pramas and lead developer Jeff Tidball is a contributor to Kobold Quarterly. An advance look at the rules for 6 to 20 is entirely possible.
2) It's a big project, and mechanics are not the first element of world design. We have 12 months before we need to finalize stats.
Dragon Age shows every sign of growth and enthusiasm among fans. I hope that some of those fans take a chance on developing additional material for the game with Midgard.
Wolfgang
And there you have it.
-Ben.
--
Small but Fierce.
Kobold Quarterly's News Minion.
Krazz, thanks for the great question! I'm happy to expand on the plans for that rules set if you like.
Well I signed up yesterday. I'm very excited to see how this might play out for AGE. As soon as I am able to see the private discussion area, then I'll vote for the AGE system, but I would very much like to hear about your plans for AGE Wolfgang.
It may still be possible to download the extension of the AGE rules from Green Ronin's website, for levels 6-10. This is the beta test version of the rules and is text only.
Thanks, Krome and Urizen! The project is heading rapidly toward full funding, and you should have access to the private discussion areas as of... now.
Do we get notified of this via e-mail or it just suddenly appears for us next time we login? Thanks again, Wolf!